Karnataka Opposition Demands Drought Declaration in 150 Taluks, Urges Emergency Measures

Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashok, has written to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar urging the government to declare drought in affected taluks and implement relief measures on a war footing. The letter highlights that drought conditions have intensified due to inadequate southwest monsoon rainfall, affecting about 150 taluks across the state.

Mr. Ashok noted that reservoir storage levels are declining continuously, raising fears of acute drinking water shortages in the coming days. He has called for an immediate statewide emergency plan and a comprehensive contingency strategy covering drought-resistant crops, sowing advice, seeds, fodder, livestock protection, drinking water supply, and emergency employment generation.

The opposition leader also demanded that district in-charge ministers and secretaries convene drought review meetings and conduct weekly progress reviews. He urged the government to identify villages likely to face drinking water shortages and release emergency supplies. Additionally, he pressed for a scientific survey of crop losses, interim relief for farmers, and timely crop insurance and agricultural inputs.

Mr. Ashok pointed out that delayed and reduced sowing, combined with drying crops due to lack of moisture, is directly impacting agricultural production and employment. He noted that agricultural labourers are migrating to cities and neighbouring states. He criticised the government for not holding comprehensive review meetings or visiting affected taluks, and for the Agriculture Department functioning without a full-time minister. He questioned the administration's priorities given the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers at stake.